FAQ

Lil' Kickers Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I join in the middle of a session?

Yes! We have open enrollment, so you can join anytime and class fees are prorated.

2. What if I can't make it to one of my classes?

You are allowed to make up any missed classes within the session in which you are enrolled; we offer many of the classes on different days and at different times.

3. Can I drop my child off for class?

No, classes are 50 minutes and require a parent/guardian to be on-site.

4. How long are the classes?

Each of our classes is 50 minutes with a water break about half way through.

5. What should my kids wear?

Participants should wear comfortable clothes and indoor/turf soccer shoes or plain tennis shoes (no cleats). Shin guards are needed for Micro Classes and Micro Advanced classes. Lil' Kicker uniforms are included with your full payment of that session's tuition and are a fun way to outfit your child and make them feel like part of a team.

6. What are the class ratios?

Bunnies – 15:1 (with parent participation), Thumpers, Cottontails, Big Feet, Micro 4/5, 6/7, 8/9 – 12:1, Hoppers/Jackrabbits – 7:1, Micro Advanced – 8:1.

7. How many girls or boys are in a class?

Classes are coed, so the mix of children is based on who registers. If you have five or more players, we can create a class for you if you would like a specific mix of children pending the availability of time and field space.

8. What is the difference between a Hoppers and a Jackrabbits class?

Hoppers is a class for beginning 3 and 4 year olds that helps develop individual skills. Jackrabbits is an intermediate class. Jackrabbits will play more one-ball oriented games to help players transition from individual skills to team skills. Some small-sided, non-competitive scrimmages will also be introduced.

9. How long are your sessions?

We offer 4 sessions a year, so quarterly that breaks down to approximately 12 week cycles.

10. If my child has his/her birthday during the session should the child move up to the next class?

It is not necessary to change classes mid-session due to age. However, if your child is ready physically and emotionally the option of moving up is certainly available.

11. If my child is advanced can they move up to the next class even if they are not old enough yet?

Yes, if it is deemed appropriate for them both physically and emotionally by our staff.

12. Can I have an all girls class?

The program is coed, however, if you have five or more girls we can create an all girls class pending the availability of time and field space.

13. Do you offer private classes?

We do offer and create private classes for groups that want to bring in 5 or more participants.

14. If I register my child for a session, are we "guaranteed" a spot in the next or following session?

No, all registrations are first come, first serve.

15. Can I register my child for one class?

No, but we do offer one FREE TRIAL class to new customers to see if your child enjoys the class.

16. Do I have to pay for the free trial class if I sign up?

No, the free trial class will be excluded from the prorated class fees that you will pay.

17. What kind of instructors do you have? Are they all licensed from some organization?

All Lil' Kickers instructors are carefully screened to ensure we provide quality, child-centered and high energy instruction. Instructors go through a rigorous training process which includes among other things child development theory and background checks. Instructors may or may not be licensed.

18. What are 18 month old children going to do in the class?

Classes for this age group focus on building important basic skills such as balance and coordination. A variety of sensory activities such as playing with bubbles, parachutes, noodles and cones towers are presented in a sequence that promotes skill development and cognitive mapping.

19. How come they don't play more soccer in this program?

While many soccer programs are busy using adult-like skill drills to hammer home the fundamentals of soccer, we approach coaching from a child-centered perspective. In other words, we make learning fun for kids. We put instruction into a context children understand using special techniques designed around how kids naturally learn. Lil' Kickers teaches your child the fundamentals of soccer, but focuses on developing the whole child. Our program helps develop a child's social, emotional, and cognitive skills while exercising the child's body and creating players who are well-balanced and conscientious on and off the soccer field.

20. When should my child move up to the next class?

Advancing to the next class really depends on the child and how they are doing in the class. Sports at this level are much more about overall growth and the experience than just physical capabilities. Prior to moving a child, we consider not just their physical needs, but also their emotional and cognitive needs. This helps create a successful learning environment and creates a balanced player. Your child's instructor can help evaluate which class is most appropriate for his or her needs.

21. What is your policy for allowing children with special needs into your program?

Children with special needs are welcomed in our program as long as we are equipped to assist them accordingly. Please call our main office for more information.

22. If my child is in a non-parent participating class like Hoppers or Jackrabbits and is struggling, can I be on the field with him/her?

In this situation, we would suggest placing the child in a Cottontails class. Cottontails classes are methodically structured and specifically designed to promote autonomy. We have found that these classes provide a successful, long term solution to the confidence issue.

23. Can I pay as we go during the session?

The entire session must be paid in full at the time of registration. However, since we offer open enrollment, we do prorate class fees.

24. Can I get a Lil Kickers discount for both my kids?

Yes! We offer sibling discounts of $15 OFF classes for any additional children after the first registration paid in full.

25. Can I sign up for multiple days a week?

Yes, though you would need to register and pay for the additional class session(s). We do offer a $15 OFF session discount for each additional class per week.

26. Can we come on any day?

No, in order to maintain class ratios and consistency within the program, we schedule children for specific times and days. When registering it is important to determine which day best suits your schedule. Of course there will occasions when a make-up class is needed. In that situation, you can schedule a make-up class for any day there is space available. If your schedule changes during the session and a different day is needed, we will try to accommodate your needs to the best of our ability. However, changes are based on space availability.

27. Even if my child is not old enough can they be in the class with a sibling?

Our classes are developed to be age and skill appropriate. Our class schedule offers classes for different ages at the same time as we try to accommodate families with more than one child.

28. Can I make sure a specific child is also in my class?

We will try to accommodate all "friend" requests provided there is availability in the class. We do have several times and days available for each class to accommodate those requests.

29. Can I have Coach ------?I had them before and they were great!

You can request a specific coach however your child's placement with that coach will be determined by space availability.

30. Can I sign up online?

If you are a current customer, then you can register online through MySAM.

31. Why is there an annual $25 registration fee?

For insurance purposes all participants are required to re-enroll annually. This covers all of the insurance and administrative costs for one calendar year.

32. What if this program just isn't for my child? What is your refund policy?

If for any reason San Diego Lil' Kickers doesn't meet or exceed your expectations please let us know and we will give you a full refund.